Duo Signal Cup Intent

The month of January sees the introduction of the Premier League teams to the FA Cup - and the Everton squad are eager to enter the competition with purpose and professionalism.

The Blues head to Whaddon Park to take on League Two outfit Cheltenham Town on Monday evening, closing a weekend that will have captured the attention of football fans up and down the country.

And that passion for the world's oldest domestic football competition extends to the players, with the likes of Leighton Baines and Victor Anichebe relishing the Blues' latest quest to reach Wembley once again.

"The tie against Cheltenham is massively important," Baines told evertontv.

"We've had a couple of decent cup runs in the last few years. We want another one and we want to win some trophies. It's a great way to do that and we'll go there to try and win the game."

Striker Anichebe agrees and insists the Blues must bring their Premier League form and performance levels into the third round contest.

He said: "We'll show the opposition great respect but hopefully we'll try to get the result that we should.

"It's always good to go far in the FA Cup. We've had some success and heartbreak but hopefully we can stay in as long as possible.